Less talk, more action, FA told

Richard Caborn, the sports minister, has said the Football Association's "indecision" over the Burns report reflects badly on the organisation. The report by Lord Burns was published one year ago today but the FA is yet to decide whether to follow his recommendations to reduce bureaucracy.

"I think the indecision does reflect badly on the Football Association and really they ought to make a decision," said Caborn. "They are no further forward now than 12 months ago. Although I support the findings of Burns, I am not telling them which way they should go, just to make a decision."

Caborn said many sports had already felt the benefits of changing their administrative structure and the way they are managed. He added: "I am very supportive of Burns. Each sport has to look at itself and see whether it is fit for purpose for the 21st century. Many sports have modernised and the report showed there needed to be changes in the governance and regulation of the FA."

Burns, now chairman of Marks & Spencer, said the FA's reliance on committees was outdated and he wants the board streamlined. His preference is for three rather than six representatives from each of the professional and amateur games, including two executive and two independent non-executive directors.

An FA spokesman insisted a decision would be made before Christmas. "There is a timetable to discuss the Burns findings in more detail at the FA council meetings in September and October," the spokesman said. "It's our intention for an extraordinary general meeting of FA shareholders to vote on implementation by the end of the year."